A Wikispaces page by Andrew Stoyanoff, Ashley Walden, and Lauren DeBellis
Summary:
In this Wikispaces page, we explore the use of iPads in a classroom setting, discussing their future in the educational context, their feasability in the classroom, and some applications that will prove beneficial for teachers and students.
The Future of Education?
While little evidence exists showing that kids learn more, faster or better using iPads in the classroom, a growing number of schools across the nation are embracing the machines as an innovative teaching tool. Often paid for with government grants and subsidies (some as part of the Race to the Top program), iPadsare appearing in classrooms across the country. Whether the technology will become ubiquitous, a revolutionary tool like the overhead projector or white boards, remains to be seen. Proponents argue that the new technology allows students and teachers to “extend the classroom beyond…four walls,” creating a more interactive environment where kids can freely access course materials outside school hours. Critics cite mass teacher layoffs and budget cuts, arguing that money would be better spent to recruit, train and retain teachers. But the question remains—if cost were not an issue, would iPads actually help students learn? As schools utilizing iPads conclude their first school years with the machines, more empirical evidence (either supporting or challenging usage) will certainly surface.[1]
Will the iPad revolutionize modern education as we know it?
Watch software developer Mike Matas demo... the first full-length interactive book for the iPad(Recorded at TED2011, March 2011, in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 4:35) Many proponents of the iPad note that widespread use would pave the way for greener classrooms.
Useability / Feasibility in the Classroom
Tech blogger Aaron Summer is passionate about the use of iPads in the classroom. A few of his ideas are toplined below. More details and information can be found on his blog Stratepedia. log.[2]
1. All-in-one video production
Ostensibly, iPhones, iPods, and now iPads networked cameras. Video projects can be captured, editing, compressed, and delivered all from a single device. The iPad’s large screen gives plenty of room for video editing, and the overall process lends itself to a touch-oriented interface.
2. Dynamic presentation
The new HDMI video output lets you mirror anything you see on your iPad screen to a high definition external display. This means video production made by students can be displayed and showcased on a big screen.
3. Distance learning
Unlike the original camera-less iPad, the iPad 2 sports front- and rear-facing cameras–and built-in video conferencing support via Apple’s FaceTime technology. This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to bring in guest speakers and provide practice in foreign language study.
4. Augmented reality field trips
Imagine pointing your iPad 2 to a building, a work of art, a zoo exhibit, or a rock formation, and instantly getting more information about your subject, presented alongside what you’re watching!
5. A textbook revolution
Will an upstart publisher will emerge to define what the tablet-based textbook will look like, giving students an affordable, enriched product while keeping authors compensated? this might be possible with the iPad 2′s speedier Safari web browser.
iPad Apps for Students and Teachers
Many applications, or "apps," exist for the iPad. Although some are rather expensive (i.e., Pages, a word processing software, costs $9.99 per iPad to download), others are inexpensive or even free, (i.e., Evernote, a program that syncs your notes between devices). Although in an ideal world every student in the class would have an iPad, in reality a teacher is fortunate to have just one for the entire classroom. Nevertheless, there are ways to use just one iPad to benefit the entire classroom. Some teachers use applications such as iBook in conjunction with an LCD projector to display the e-text of a work, such as The Great Gatsby. In classrooms that have the advantage of a class set of laptops, the opportunities are obviously more robust. On an Idea Board, students may respond to a teacher's question, by drawing or writing a response. This could obviously be used in all classrooms, from solving an algebra equation, to drawing a flow chart of historical events, to diagramming a cell.
http://www.ipadinschools.com/is a blog published solely to tout the benefit of the iPad in edcuation. Check out the list of apps tailored to elementary, middle and high school levels!
The iPad-- A Blessing or a Burden?
Table of Contents
Summary:
In this Wikispaces page, we explore the use of iPads in a classroom setting, discussing their future in the educational context, their feasability in the classroom, and some applications that will prove beneficial for teachers and students.The Future of Education?
While little evidence exists showing that kids learn more, faster or better using iPads in the
classroom, a growing number of schools across the nation are embracing the machines as
an innovative teaching tool. Often paid for with government grants and subsidies (some as
part of the Race to the Top program), iPadsare appearing in classrooms across the country.
Whether the technology will become ubiquitous, a revolutionary tool like the overhead
projector or white boards, remains to be seen. Proponents argue that the new technology
allows students and teachers to “extend the classroom beyond…four walls,” creating a
more interactive environment where kids can freely access course materials outside school
hours. Critics cite mass teacher layoffs and budget cuts, arguing that money would be
better spent to recruit, train and retain teachers. But the question remains—if cost were
not an issue, would iPads actually help students learn? As schools utilizing iPads conclude their first school years
with the machines, more empirical evidence (either supporting or challenging usage) will certainly surface.[1]
Watch software developer Mike Matas demo... the first full-length interactive book for the iPad (Recorded at TED2011, March 2011, in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 4:35)
Many proponents of the iPad note that widespread use would pave the way for greener classrooms.
Useability / Feasibility in the Classroom
Tech blogger Aaron Summer is passionate about the use of iPads in the classroom. A few of his ideas are toplined below. More details and information can be found on his blog Stratepedia. log.[2]
1. All-in-one video production
Ostensibly, iPhones, iPods, and now iPads networked cameras. Video projects can be captured, editing, compressed, and delivered all from a single device. The iPad’s large screen gives plenty of room for video editing, and the overall process lends itself to a touch-oriented interface.2. Dynamic presentation
The new HDMI video output lets you mirror anything you see on your iPad screen to a high definition external display. This means video production made by students can be displayed and showcased on a big screen.3. Distance learning
Unlike the original camera-less iPad, the iPad 2 sports front- and rear-facing cameras–and built-in video conferencing support via Apple’s FaceTime technology. This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to bring in guest speakers and provide practice in foreign language study.4. Augmented reality field trips
Imagine pointing your iPad 2 to a building, a work of art, a zoo exhibit, or a rock formation, and instantly getting more information about your subject, presented alongside what you’re watching!5. A textbook revolution
Will an upstart publisher will emerge to define what the tablet-based textbook will look like, giving students an affordable, enriched product while keeping authors compensated? this might be possible with the iPad 2′s speedier Safari web browser.iPad Apps for Students and Teachers
Many applications, or "apps," exist for the iPad. Although some are rather expensive (i.e., Pages, a word processing software, costs $9.99 per iPad to download), others are inexpensive or even free, (i.e., Evernote, a program that syncs your notes between devices). Although in an ideal world every student in the class would have an iPad, in reality a teacher is fortunate to have just one for the entire classroom. Nevertheless, there are ways to use just one iPad to benefit the entire classroom. Some teachers use applications such as iBook in conjunction with an LCD projector to display the e-text of a work, such as The Great Gatsby. In classrooms that have the advantage of a class set of laptops, the opportunities are obviously more robust. On an Idea Board, students may respond to a teacher's question, by drawing or writing a response. This could obviously be used in all classrooms, from solving an algebra equation, to drawing a flow chart of historical events, to diagramming a cell.
Two other blogs to check out:
http://www.emergingedtech.com/2011/03/10-excellent-ipad-applications-for-teachers/
http://blog.stratepedia.org/2011/03/04/how-the-ipad-2-and-education-could-go-together/